Mk 9:47, Mt. 18:9.

I see no logical reason the same principle wouldn't apply to the head, too, for surely it would better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God headless than, having a head, to be cast into hell.

Your question reminds me of a true story from newspaper history. A certain outlaw was hanged after public repentence and prayers on the scaffold. A Chicago daily headlined the story: JERKED TO JESUS.

The DP should be decided on a state by state basis. So Jesus (whoever that is) can vote as he wishes in his state.

He sure approved of his own and the two guys next to him.

Not sure anyone asked for his opinion on the death penalty at that particular moment.

I am guessing he might have at least been happier with the three drug lethal injection method currently under review by the SCOUS, however.

But his wage scale has room for improvement.

G

The question is not intended as facetious or rhetorical: it is a sincere query.

SFB Forum owns a number of impressive posters who show a remarkable, scholarly grasp of scriptures. With the Supreme Court casually discussing the humanity of methods and means, the question came to mind.

I know that Jesus talked a lot about mercy, grace, and love... but I have yet to find where He gives the green light on death for sinners here on earth.

It follows that if he approved of the Death Penalty, who would be better qualified to hold court, make judgments, and join the ranks of executioners? But I have not found any indication the Jesus got in with the stranglers down in the pit.

And If I remember correctly, did He not demonstrate His rejection of Mosaic Law (stoning) once or twice? He put a great deal of time down on the streets ministering to criminals and other of the flock: healing souls and bodies – not condemning people to death and throwing rocks.

So, where does Jesus truly stand on the issue, yesterday and today?

Do we have any solid evidence on the question, either way?

I appreciate the ding, San.

don't know about him personally, but what I remember from Sunday school:

Spare the rod, spoil the child

If thy eye offends thee, pluck it out

Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth

& a bumper sticker I seen one time

WWJD? - he would slap the shit out of you

jazzguitarman:

The DP should be decided on a state by state basis. So Jesus (whoever that is) can vote as he wishes in his state.

Right. Good ol' State Rights... It's what kept slavery alive for so long before and during the unCivil War... it's what kept racism going with segregation afterward. Everythang South Mason/Dixon has always been big on States Rights. 'Sides, Jesus don't respect state lines.

But the question is Brother JazzGuitMan... Run a seven chord progression with diminished and augments on what you think Jesus thinks... take everything you know about Him - and play... I'll cover the bass.

dumb_blonde:

don't know about him personally, but what I remember from Sunday school:

Spare the rod, spoil the child

If thy eye offends thee, pluck it out

Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth

& a bumper sticker I seen one time

WWJD? - he would slap the shit out of you

Yo, DB:

What about alcohol fetal babies who grow up criminals... or abusive adults who were abused as kids... or, an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind (Gandhi)?

The Q remains... Not pushing, just with your gut is okay: What do you believe Jesus thinks 'bout Capital Punishment?

Well, the spare the rod and the eye for an eye are both from Jewish scriptures rather than Christian. and in any case, spanking your children is a step or two short of the death penalty I think.

The pluck out an eye is something you are asked to do to yourself -- even if intended literally, which seems doubtful.

...I think this is a question for the Christians to answer. I don't mind questioning their interpretations but don't think it my place to make a hypothetical interpretation of what a mythical figure might think about a topic such as this.

Th Paine:

Well, the spare the rod and the eye for an eye are both from Jewish scriptures rather than Christian. and in any case, spanking your children is a step or two short of the death penalty I think.

The pluck out an eye is something you are asked to do to yourself -- even if intended literally, which seems doubtful.

You’re correct on the eye/eye analogy, Bro Paine... I was having a side conversation with Jack—trying to stay on-posts at the same time—a distracted attribution to DB’s pluck-it point.

John 5:22-30—Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him. "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son to have life in himself. And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man. "Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out--those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned. By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.

Th Paine:

...I think this is a question for the Christians to answer. I don't mind questioning their interpretations but don't think it my place to make a hypothetical interpretation of what a mythical figure might think about a topic such as this.

Indeed, I agree. I myself know not the answer - utterly unqualified. I hope for informative feedback.

The U.S. has what, 80% of the Citizens professing belief in God—for the most part, Christianity? If Jesus is the loving Savior and redeemer as portrayed by Mel Gibson, why therefore do we Americans enjoy the highest incarceration per capita —and more executions — than any of our civilized western contemporaries? God’s will?

I don’t want to take a side on the tread here, but what little I know about Jesus, and Christians who didn’t flinch while Gov Dubya of Texas signed-off on over 140 executions (some of the condemned known to be insane)—remember, God called him to be President and he won the election for the most part on the Christian vote—then it must be: Jesus approves the Death Penalty. Not that the DP necessarily conforms to the true Word of Jesus, but convenient enough for God’s work in Texas and America.

And how is it that Christians like Osteen and Robertson can hold a straight face, building empires of wealth, while it would seem time and money might better be put to the other Jesus Teachings, helping to mitigate the apparent need to execute sinners.

Ah, what the Hell—it all comes back to my thread Q…. Anyone?